Etsy Shop

So I am finally taking the Etsy plunge and see if I can navigate my way through things, learn about the different communities, and how to successfully connect with new people as well as exposing some of my art to new audience. Click here to view the shop.

Etsy, like so many other social media sites have its own culture, groups, ways to do things, how to connect, and gain exposure. I signed up back in 2008 but it wasn't until recently that I tried to set up my shop and just do it. Thanks to a friendly neighbor in my art community, I was on the receiving end for advice on setting up my shop and navigating the waters. Since I do graphic/web design I'm usually on the giving end of setting up a client, fellow artists, or friends website, social media, and the likes- its was a nice change of position.

So far, I have connected with some of the teams on there, added to circles, and treasury lists, and favorites and reciprocating, while watching yet another tutorial, I still feel I'm not where I need to be in so far as what I want to list there, good price points, and how to market it- so if you are a veteran Etsy shop owner PLEASE shoot me an email and spare me some tips.

One of the more active teams I am a member of is "Etsy Artists of Color". They have a blog, facebook, and twitter- and some really great talented and helpful team members. Through this team, I became a 3 day feature on another team members blog "One Brown Crafter" as well as listed in a couple of treasuries. This groups is not only a team but also gives a lot of nice resources for fellow members- so check out some of their links.

As I close for the 'night' - its 3am and my little one is still bright eyed and bushy tailed, I'm still optimistic about Etsy and look forward to my first sale. I heard there was a lady on Oprah that made a million dollars through Etsy, don't know how true that is- but if that is my destiny... BRING IT!

(if you are on Etsy- please connect with me, if you have tips to share- shot me an email or comment)

New artwork for Juneteenth Celebration-Olokun

I was invited to be a part of an event honoring the Juneteenth Celebration produced by Project Witness a non profit organization. The event received a lot of press coverage and a radio spot on Hot105. Me being one of the four visual artists participating for the event, was asked to create a piece of artwork for the event to be used as a part of the fundraising efforts for Project Witness.

Each artist was given a blank canvas to interpret the vision. After research, and thumbnails sketches- "Olokun" was born. The piece name was taken from a Yuruba Orisha. Olokun is the patron saint of Africans that were carried away during the Trans – Atlantic Slave Trade. Olokun is also a protector of the living, dead, and the unborn. There is also reference to the official Juneteenth flag which is red, white, and blue, and representing the star of Texas of bursting through the horizons. Texas was the last state to know about the emancipation proclamation- and found out two and a half years later that slavery ended. My story behind my piece symbolized the present slaves looking forward to the future of the baby being born free, shackles broken. While the essence of Olokun watching the past, present, and future.

Some press for the event included:

• 
• Sun-Sentinal
• Hot 105FM
• Facebook Event

Nikiartstudio.com and Susan G. Komen for the Cure - Miami/Ft. Lauderdale foundation.

So finally its up! I have a work of art that was juried into a huge poster show and shown in south Florida and New York. "Still Beautiful" If you see the piece, you may agree there is no explanation needed. Recently, I have partnered with the Miami/Fort Lauderdale Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation and made a commitment to give a portion of each sale as a donation.

I have spent over 8 hours updating my website, facebook, sent out a couple of tweets, and see how is goes. I am also working on additional marketing means. My neck is and eyes are hurting from being in the same position and the baby fell asleep in my lap, again' but I finally feel a little accomplished. Please check out my link and feel free to give me some feedback and of course you are welcome to share the link :-)

http://www.nikiartstudio.com/komen.htm